I fell in love in these Ozark hills.

Here on the waters of Lake Ann—

held close by its shores.

I step out into hardwood and pine forests to stay awhile

treading upon fragile earth and sky.

Wood fires lit —

All for the calling of a farewell,

to passing autumn days.

Silvery skies found in morning dew.

Lake Ann’s deep waters,

so placid and still,

returning only to those who see.

As a gentle fog rises above Bear Cove

I hear a lone Great Heron’s morning call,

and wait for afternoon sunshine.

Every day—

she meets my eyes in her hand-sewn gown with

bangles and twinkling diamonds

like a nighttime sky of a million stars.

All the while, she is dancing to the Sugar Creek waltz—

Lake Ann, who is content without ever knowing a stranger.

Oh my dear, sweet day, my Lake Ann.

Village voices are held close in these Ozark hills,

and I take a long, long, deep breath—

In this place, God’s spirit surrounds me and sets me free,

Giving me — my heart’s sky!